Ars Technica has posted a new review of Telltale Games' latest title, Puzzle Agent. The game challenges players to solve a variety of difficult puzzles as they work to unravel a mystery in the rural town of Scoggins, Minnesota. Ars Technica recommended the game for its story, artwork, and solid design.

From the review:

Puzzle Agent also follows in Professor Layton's footsteps by wrapping its collection of puzzles in an engaging mystery set in a town full of interesting characters. From an overly cheerful hotel clerk to a handyman who hears trees talk, interacting with the inhabitants of Scoggins is never a chore. The dialog is well written and acted, and it's laced with plenty of Telltale's trademark humor.

But it also gets dark at times. In spite of all the jokes and goofy plot points, it's hard to shake the feeling of dread as you play. Something is happening in Scoggins, something the townspeople don't want you to know about. And while things never get too serious, the mystery is an incredible motivating factor, making Puzzle Agent a game that's hard to put down. And since it only lasts a few hours, chances are that many players will get through the entire experience in just one or two sittings.

Where the game does differentiate itself is with its dark, 2D, hand-drawn comic book visuals courtesy of artist Graham Annable. The blacks and grays make Scoggins feel like a truly frigid, isolated town where bad things could very well happen. And though the characters are all relatively simple looking, they're still unique and charming. The stylized art might not be for everyone, but at the very least it gives the game its own look and feel..